Vincristine
Say it: vin-KRIS-teen · Brand names: Vincasar PFS
Vincristine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells need tiny inner tubes to split into two new cells. Vincristine stops these tubes from forming. Without them, the cancer cell cannot divide and dies.
Often used for
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- some childhood cancers, such as Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma
- rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue cancer)
How you get it
Vincristine is given only through a vein (IV) in a clinic or hospital. It takes just a few minutes. It is often given once a week or once every few weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet. Tell your team if buttons or walking get harder.
- Constipation. Drink fluids, stay active, and ask about a stool softener.
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Jaw pain or muscle aches. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to.
- Belly cramps. Tell your team if they are bad.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- No bowel movement for 3 days, or belly pain and swelling
- Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in
- Trouble walking, falling, or weakness in your legs
- Trouble seeing, a drooping eyelid, or a hoarse voice
- Trouble peeing
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have nerve problems, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- If you have liver problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine must only be given into a vein. Your team follows strict safety steps for this.
- It can cause serious damage if it leaks out of the vein. Tell your nurse right away if the IV site hurts.
- Your team will check your nerves, such as how you walk and write, at each visit.
- Some medicines can raise vincristine levels. Your team will check your other medicines.
Questions to ask
- What should I do to prevent constipation?
- What nerve changes should I watch for?
- How many doses will I get?
- Which of my other medicines could interact with it?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Vincristine?
- Vincristine is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Vincasar PFS.
- What is Vincristine used for?
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Hodgkin lymphoma; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; some childhood cancers, such as Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma; rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue cancer).
- How is Vincristine given?
- Vincristine is given only through a vein (IV) in a clinic or hospital. It takes just a few minutes. It is often given once a week or once every few weeks with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Vincristine?
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet. Constipation. Hair loss. Jaw pain or muscle aches. Feeling tired. Belly cramps.
- When should I call my care team while taking Vincristine?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; No bowel movement for 3 days, or belly pain and swelling; Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in; Trouble walking, falling, or weakness in your legs; Trouble seeing, a drooping eyelid, or a hoarse voice; Trouble peeing.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Vincristine?
- C10403 (CALGB 10403), DA-EPOCH-R, Hyper-CVAD, POMP, R-CHOP, VAC/IE.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.